Vermillion County, Indiana - The whole text, 1888 (part 10 of 15)

fEORGE A. CRA13B, one of the leading business men of Clinton, engaged in dealing in groceries, was born at Clinton Locks, in Parke County, Indiana, January 22, 1859, a son of Walter G. and Eliza (Tiiayer) Crabb. His father was born in Ohio, August 2, 1816, a son of John W. Crabb, who was one of the pioneers of the Wabash Valley, and who made his home on Walker's Bluffin Parke County, this State, in 1821. Walter G. Crabb, when a young man, by th- death ot his father, had the care of the family thrown upon him, his elder brothers having married and left home. A few years later he married a Miss Hanson, and to them were born eleven children, of whom only three are now living - Azro P., of Idaho Territory; Mrs. Elizabeth White, of Helt Township, Yermillion County, and Winfield S., residing in Iowa. The mother and the remaining eight children are buried at Clinton Locks. The second wife of Walter G. Crabb was a Miss Laney, who died shortly after her marriage. He was again married to Miss Eliza Thayer, a native of New York, and to this union five children were born, of whom George A., the subject of this sketch, is the eldest, and excepting his sister, Mary E., of Clinton, is the only one living. Three of the children died in infancy. Walter G. Crabb led an active biisiness life, and was among the first traders at Clinton Locks, a place of importance during the days of the operation of the Wabash and Erie Canal. He erected a warehouse which is still standing there, and was a contr-actor in the construction of the canal. He carried on a ferry there for eleven years, crossing the Wabash at Clinton. In 1862 hq, became identified with this place, and until the spring of 1865 he owned and operated a steam grist-mill one and a half miles west of Clinton. In 1865 he erected the brick grist and merchant mill at Clinton, which he operated until his death, and which is now a part of his estate. He died August 22, 1884. His wife died November 12, 1877, aged forty-five years. All the brothers and sisters of Walter G. Crabb are deceased, with the exception of Mrs. Mary Welton, who resides in Edgar County, Illinois. The edur cation of Mr. Crabb was limited to a few montlis attendance in the subscription schools. He became a thorough, practical business man, and in all respects was a self-made man. His father, once w^U-to-do in this world's goods, became a poor man through tlie failure of others, and left his family in limited circumstances, and every dollar owned by Walter Ct. C'rabb was earned by himself, and at his death he left a fair estate. In politics he was first a Whig, but affiliated with the Republican party from its organization. While not a professing Christian he gave freely of his means toward the building of churches, and also purchased books for a Sixnday-school at Clinton Locks, of which he was superintendent. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was buried with Masonic honors. George A. Crabb, whose name heads this sketch, was reared from the age of three years in Clinton, and his education was obtained in the schools of Clinton. At the age of fifteen years he took charge of his father's books, aiid assisted his father in his mill nntil establishing himself in his present business, March li, 1883. October 16, 1881, he was married to Miss Metta V. Davidson, who was born at Clinton, September 8, 1860, a daughter of John and Jane Davidson, both of whom are deceased. Their only child, Metta Amelia, was born December 22, 1885. In politics Mr. Crabb casts his suffrage with the Ilepublican party.

^^DWARD A. FLAUGIIEIt, M. D., rj. a prominent physician and surgeon of 'b^' Cayuga, was born in Vermillion County, Illinois, September 7, 1846, a son of Zachariah Flaugher. His father was born in Brown Connty, Ohio, February 22, 1811, and died in Vermillion County, Illinois, December 3, 1865. He being a farmer, our subject was reared to the same avocation, and his education was received priiicipally in the Industrial Universily of Champaign, Illinois, from which institution he graduated in June,

1868. He then began reading medicine with Dr. W. T. Summers, of Urbana, Illinois, and later read under the preceptorship of Dr. Balch, of Georgetown. During the year 1871 he attended the St. Louis Medical College one term, and in 1881 he spent one term at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, and two terms at the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis, graduating from the latter college in March, 1883. Dr. Flaugher commenced the practice of his profession in 1870, which he has since followed M'ith the exception of the time spent at college. He makes a specialty of diseases ot the eye in which he is very successful, and has become identified with the prominent medical men of this part of the county. He located at Eugene in August, 1870, and in 1876 went to Williamsport, Warren County, returning to Eugene, in January, 1880. He removed his office to Cayuga in October, 1884, being the first settler at this place. He established a drug and grocery store at Cayuga, the pioneer store, which he carried on in connection with his medical practice until March 17, 1885, when he disposed of his business to Nathan Tutt. He was appointed postmaster at Cayuga in March, 1886, and still holds that position. He has now a good practice at this place. Dr. Flaugher was married August 28, 1874, to Miss Mary J. Greer, whose father was George W. Greer, an early settler of Eugene Township. Of the two children born to this union but one is living, a daughter named Mary E.

fHOMAS HENRY HARRISON, one of the old and honored pioneers of J Highland Township, residing on section 31, about five miles west of Perrysville, was born in Oliio County, "W'l'st Vii'ginia,

January 1, 1810. His father, John Harrison, removed from Baltimore, Maryland, to West Virginia, and later settled with his family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he died when the subject of this sketch was a child. He was a nailer by trade, and was engaged in the manufacture of nails at Pittsburgh. After his death the family returned to West Virginia, remaining there until 1819, then moved to Monroe County, Ohio. Tiie mother was a second time married, to William Harris, who died in the United States army, and to this union two sons were born, named Charles and Samuel. In 1834 the mother immigrated with her family to Vermillion County, Indiana, M'here she died April 9, 1861, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Thomas Henry Harrison, whose name heads this sketch, arrived in Perrysville for the first time December 20, 1834. January 29, 1835, he was united in marriage to Miss Marinda Henthorn, a daughter of William D. Henthorn, who came to Vermillion County at the same time as the Harrison family. He then settled on the land now occupied by our subject, where he lived until his death, his wife also dying at the homestead some time before. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Henthorn only four daughters are living at the present^time. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, of whom seven are yet living - Virginia, Richard, Susan, Marinda, Mary C, Charles and Margaret M. Their eldest son, William M., was a member of Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry, in the war of the Pebcllion. He was wounded at tlie battle of Perryville, Kentucky, but died of pneumonia at Gallatin, Tennessee, January 13, 1863, in his twenty-sixth yeai-. The remaining children who are deceased are - John, who died August 18, 1846, aged six years; Thomas B., died in his thirty-second year,

July 4, 1883, at Jonesboro, Arkansas, and one who died in infancy, unnamed. In April, 1835, shortly after his marriage, Mr. Harrison went to Porter County, Indiana, returning to Perrysville, Vermillion County, in October of the same year. In August, 1838, he settled on the place where he has since resided, with the exception of one year. As will be seen Mr. Harrison has been a resident of Highland Township about fifty-four years, and is now the only representative of his father's family living in Indiana. He has always been an active and public spirited citizen, being interested in all enterprises which tend toward the advancement of his township or county. In politics he was in early life a Whig, but in later years a Republican.

fRANCIS M. RILEY, of Rileysburg, was born on the homestead which he now owns and occupies, April 14, 1844, and is one of the representative citizens of Vermillion County. Jacob Riley, the father of our subject, was one of the early pioneers of the county, settling on the farm now occupied by his son in 1842. He was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, in 1803, where he was reared, and received a fair education considering the lack of educational advantages in that early day. He came to Perrysville, Vermillion County, in 1827, and engaged in teaching school, in which he had considerable experience. He was married at Perrysville in 1831, to Elizabeth Nichols, sister of William Nichols, of Highland Township, and to this union were born four sons and one daughter. Three of the sons yet survive - Geoi-ge Harding, Frank M. and Jacob. William, the eldest son, died in Green County, Wisconsin, March 3, 1865, and the daughter,

Biographical Sketcees

Naucy, died February 19, 1861. She was the wife of Isaac Rouse, and left at her death three children. The father established the first harness shop in Perrysville, where he carried on the business until 1842. He then sold out and purchased 100 acres of the Riley homestead, on which he located. He added largely to his original purcliase until he owned about 600 acres, becoming one of the wealthy and influential men of Highland Township. He died at the homestead, November 1, 1880. The mother of our subject died May 4, 1868, and after her death the father married again. His widow still survives and is making her home in Danville. Francis M. Riley is one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers in Yermillion County. He was the first to introduce the Poll-Angus breed of cattle into the county, and is making a success in the raising of this valuable breed. He is also engaged in tlie manufacture of tile, this enterprise being carried on under the firm name of Riley & Shute. The works of this firm are at Rileysburg, where a superior quality of tile is produced. Mr. Riley served four months in the war of the Rebellion, being a member of the Seventyfirst Illinois Infantry. He was married May 8, 1877, to Miss Martha W. Rodgers, who was born in AVarren County, Indiana, March 25, 1860, her father, Elislia Rodgers, being still a resident of that county. Politically Mr. Riley affiliates with the Republican party. He is at present one of tlie commissioners of Vermillion County, having been elected to that office in the fall of 1884, and re-elected in the fall of 1888. He has a beautiful farm of 327 acres of land, 160 of which belonged to the original homestead, and its entire surroundings ai-e indicative of the enterprise and industry of the owner. On the building of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, a station wns gecured at

Rileysburg, through the influence of Mr. Riley. The name was originally Riley, but there being another station on the railroad bearing that name, the name of this station was changed to Rileysbui-g in the spring of 1885. The place was formerly but a flag station, but is now a regular station, ami is a place of some importance, where considerable shipping is carried on. Mr. Riley takes a deep interest in the welfare of the town, and every movement calculated to aid in building up the place has his encouragement and assistance.

fTEPHEN STEVENSON COLLETT, deceased, was a resident near Eugene. He was a son of John and Elizabeth Collett, a sketch of whom we give elsewhere. Born in Pennsylvania in 1792, he was nine years old when the family came West with him, traveling by flat boat down the Ohio River to Lime Rock, Kentucky, in 1800. He came to this State in 1818, in company with his brother, Josephus, tlieir father having been appointed deputy United States Surveyor in the Maumee Valley. Stephen himself, as deputy United States Surveyor for a part of Indiana Territory, made the first surveys of the counties of Owen, Putnam, Montgomery and Tippecanoe. He was subsequently engaged in mercantile pursuits at Teire Haute, where the firms of Linton & Collett, and Rose & Collett, had extensive business relations in the fur trade with John Jacob Astor, with headquarters at Mackinac. In 1827 he removed to Eugene, Vermillion County, of which village plat he was the first proprietor, and where he engaged in the shipping of farm products and general merchandise by flat-boats to New Orleans. He was chosen as a Whig of the Ifenry Chiy school to represent Vermillion County in the House of Eepresentatives for the sessions of 1833-'35 ; then was senator from Parke, Yermillion and Warren connties in 1835-'36 and from Parke and Yermillion in 1842-'44. During all his legislative career he served with marked ahility; was a member of the standing committees on Finance, Education and Agriculture; and was one of the nine members, including Governor AVhitcomb and Calvin Fletcher, who voted against the internal improvement scheme, which afterward proved so disastrous. Although he had had but little opportunity for school education, he acquired studious habits, became posted in history and general literature. Although not a member of any church, he maintained a steadfast faith in the general principles of Christianity, especially the Golden Paile. He died December 28, 1843, at Browning's Hotel, Indianapolis, while serving as State Senator, and the Legislature passed resolutions of sincere respect concerning him, and many members delivered eloquent eulogies. Senator Bradley, for example, said: "By his energy, sagacity of intellect and integrity, which was never soiled by a stain nor darkened by a cloud of suspicion, he deservedly attained a high place in public estimation." Representative Thomas Dowling, of Vigo Coimty, said: " As a merchant he was upright, scrupulously honest, direct and plain in his dealings; as a farmer he was distinguished for his good taste and industry; as a neighbor he was kind and obliging; as ;'. friend, tirm and steadfast; as a legislator, conscientious, prudent and upright; as a politician, devotedly attached to the great principle of constitutional liberty." On his farm he was a pioneer in the introduction of fine stock, and improved varieties of grain and other farm products. His clover field in 1832 was a curiosity, as it was one of the earliest in the State; and even at that early day he secured short-horn Durhams from the herd of Heniy Clay. In 1835 he owned and bred Ilaserac, the fsistest, thoroughbred English race-horse in the West. In 1838--39 he had herds of fine wooled sheep, Berkshire hogs, etc. Neighbors for a hundred miles around obtained of him improved varieties of livestock and of grain. In 1822 Mr. Collett married Sarah Groenendyke, of Terre Haute, and their family comprised three sons and five daughters, all of whom are living except two of the daugliters. The sons are - Hon. John Collett, State Geologist, 1879-'84; Stephen S., a successful farmer, and manager of the bank of Collett & Company at Newport, this State; and Josephus, a farmer, merchant, banker, railroad manager, etc., now residing at Terre Haute. (See sketch of these elsewhere in this volume). The daughter, Emily, married Dr. W. G. Montgomery, for several years Senator from Warren County. Mary married J. P. Campbell, deceased, who was a successful merchant and active Republican politician of Crawfordsville; Ellen married D. M. Jones, a Newport (Indiana) attorney, and Representative from Vermillion County of the Legislature during the war; Jennie married James II. Turner, of Terre Haute; and Clara married Crawford Fairbanks, also Terre Haute.

T^. A^'ID McBETH, manufacturer of har- I ,) iK'ss, saddles, etc., and dealer in buggies and wagons, Clinton, was born in Logan County, Ohio, August 1, 1845, a sou of Robert and Maria (Gunn) McBeth, both of whom were natives of Ohio, and of Scotch and Irish parentage. Robert Gunn, the maternal grandiather of our subject, was Indian agent in Ohio, in its pioneej- days, and built the first liouse at Bellefontaine, that State. The parents of our subject are deceased, the father dying of cholera at St. Louis, Missouri, in 1850, aged thirty-nine years, and the mother at Springfield, Ohio, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. I. A. Hazel, in 1872, in her sixty-third year. Tliey were the parents of six children, of whom David is the youngest. His two brothers are deceased. His sisters are - Mrs. Maria Bane, of Battle Creek, Michigan; Minerva Goodale, also living in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Mrs. Hazel, living in Denver, Colorado. David spent his youth in Hichland, a small town in Logan County. Li July, 1861, he went to Columbus, Ohio, to learn the harness trade. In February, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Third United States Cavalry, serving a term of three years. The regiment first had headquarters at Little Rock, Arkansas, and later while Mr. McBeth was with it at Fort Sheldon, New Mexico. In February, 1867, he was discharged from the service of the United States, and resumed work at his trade, saddle and harness making, at Columbus, Ohio, at which he had previously served an apprenticeship, commencing when sixteen years old. In March, 1869, he came to Clinton, establishing his present business at this place. In 1870 he returned to Ohio for his bride. Miss Jennie Ilarsha, whom he married at Bellefontaine, October 5, 1870. She is a native of Pennsylvania, born April 6, 1846. Her father died many years ago, and her mother, Mrs. Mary P. Harsha, now Mrs. Burns, is living at Charlevoix, Michigan. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McBeth, of whom only two are living, named Mabel and Mary. Both Mr. McBeth and wife are meml)ers of tlie Presbyterian church. In politics he has always voted the Republican ticket. Mr. McBeth is a man of splendid business qualifications, and by his strict attention to his ti-ade he has established a large business, and by his fair and honorable dealings has gained the confidence and esteem of all wlio know him.

fOIIN WESLEY CASEBEER, retired farmer and merchant, Hillsdale, was born in Mansfield, Ohio, January 22, 1831, a son of John Casebeer, who was a blacksmith by trade. The subject of this sketch was educated in the Mansfield public schools. He came to Vermillion County, Indiana, in November, 1849, in his nineteenth year, crossing the Wabash River at Raccoon Ferry. He remained in tlie county but a few days, when he went to Coles (now Douglas) County, Illinois, five miles below Newman, where his cousin, Jolm Casebeer, now resides. He returned to Mansfield in the fall of 1851, making the trip on horseback. In 1853 he came again to this county and settled in Helt Township, where he has since made his liomc. He was married August 27, 1855, to Martha Rush, a daughter of Samuel Rush, who was one of the early settlers of the county, and one of the first school-teachers of Helt Township. Six children have been born to this union, of whom four are yet living - Alvin B., married Miss Annie Fultz, and lives near Eugene, this county; John W., Jr., married Miss Jennie McDole, and lives on the old homestead near Hillsdale; Ithimer M. entered De Pauw University, September 14, 1887; Mary A. married George James, of Hillsdale, and they are the parents of one cliild named Mervin E. When the Evansville, Terre Haute & Chicago (now the Chicago & Eastern Illinois) Railroad was being built, Mr. Casebeer was a contractor on the road, building one mile of the grade. He engaged in the saw-mill business in Hillsdale in 1870, wliich he followed some two or three years. In the spring of 1881 he established his mercantile business, which he carried on snccessfnlly until late in the year 1885, when he sold his stock of goods to Joseph Flinii, although he still owns the store bnilding. He is also the owner of eighty acres of choice land in Ilelt Township, besides town property in Alto and Hillsdale. He has been a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty years, and is a liberal supporter toward all benevolent institutions. Mrs. Casebeer is also an active member of the same church, is president of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Salem Methodist Episcopal church, and is an ardent temperance and Sabbath-school worker. Few men in the county are more widely knowu or more generally respected than the subject of this sketch. Genial in temperament, charitable toward the unfortunate, active in the support of every movement calculated to promote the piiblic welfare, he takes a prominent position in the community, and has gained the confidence of all who know him.

tEASON H. SWINEHART, hardware merchant, Clinton, established his residence and business at this place in April, 1871. He was born in Holmes County, Ohio, February 22, 1822, a son of Daniel and Yesta (Hogland) Swinehart,his father a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and his mother a native of Ohio. In 1841 the family moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, where the parents lived until their death, the mother dying in 1848, aged fifty years, and the father dying in 1872, at the age of seventy-six years. Reason H. Swinehart was married at Terre Haute, April 12, 1857, to Miss Ann Palmer, and to them have been born six children as follows - Emma died in infancy; Clara, born September 8, 1860, is the wife of W. L. Morey, of Clinton; Harry, born July 20, 1863; Frank, born January 15, 1866; Daniel, died in infancy, and Elizabeth, born at Clinton, August 15, 1871. Soon after locating in Terre Haute Mr. Swinehart commenced work at the tinner's trade which he followed until establishing his hardware business in Clinton. His sons, Harry and Frank, both of whom are young men of fine business qualifications, assist him in his business. Both are members of the Odd Fellows order, and Harry is at present Junior Warden of Clinton Encampment, No. 143. The father and sons are members of Amant Lodge, No. 356, I. O. O. F., and have passed all the chairs of the lodge. In politics Mr. Swinehart is independent, but of Democratic antecedents.

.^.^"j County, Indiana, September 16, 1831, a son of Zachariah D. and Jane (Skidmore) James. His father M-as born in Virginia in 1811, and in 1822 came with his parents to Vermillion County, where he was reared and married. Of a family of five childx-en, but three are living - William A., John S., a grocer of Danville, Illinois, and Dr. Harry H., of St. Berniee. William A. James was reared on a farm in Helt Township. He was given good educational advantages, attending school in Paris and Blooniington, Illinois, and after leaving school taught a short time. In 1862 ho enlisted in defense of his country and M-as assigned to Company B, Eighty-fifth Indiana Infixntry, and served six months. After his return home he clerked in his father's store ill Montezuma, and in 1867 returued to Vermillion County. In 1869 he settled on the farm where he now lives, which contains 128 acres of valuable land, all well improved and under a good state of cultivation, and his residence and farm buildings are commodious and convenient. Mr. James was married February 5, 1856, to Frances Iloughland, daughter of AVilliam Houghland. They have had seven children, but two of whom are living - Charles W. and Harry E. The latter married Ida B. Rose, and is now a telegraph operator of Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr. James is a member of the Gi-and Army of the Republic, the Ancient Order of the United AVorkman and the Patrons Mutual Aid Society of Yermillion County. He and his wife are niembers of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically Mr. James is a Republican. He is one of the prominent and prosperous citizens of the township where he has spent his life.

fESSE HOUCHIN was born in Pike County, Ohio, November 10, 1825. He is of Scotch and Welsh ancestry, but for three generations preceding him his paternal ancestors were natives of Virginia. His father, Jesse Houchin, was born in Amherst County, Virginia, June 10, 1770. His grandfather, William Houchin, was born in Buckingham County, as was also his great-grandfather, John Houchin. His mother was Mary Allison, daughter of Thomas Allison, of New York State. Five of his uncles were soldiers ill the war of 1812, Moses and Charles Houchin, and Jesse, James and Daniel Allison. His parents, soon after their marriage moved to Greenbrier County, West Virginia, and in 1820 to Pike County, Ohio, and from there in 1830 to Vermillion C'ounty, Indiana, settling first in Highland Township, Initsoon after moved to Warren County, where they lived twenty years. Jesse Houchin remained M-ith his parents until manhood, and in his youth, when not employed in the work of the farm, attended the subscription schools. In February, 1851, lie moved to a farm in Helt Township, Vermillion County, and there improved a farm on which he lived until November 10, 1886, when he moved to Montezuma, but keeps his farm of 320 acres well stocked with horses, cattle, hogs and sheep as heretofore; and raising crops of grain and grass. Mr. Houchin was married April 9, 1846, to Elizabeth Jackson, daughter of John Jackson. They have had eight children - Martha S., John S., Mary M., Jessie E., Alice C, Daniel V., William E. and Lawrence Bruce. Daniel and William are deceased. Martha married William Malone, of Helt Township, and has nine children; John married Eudora Johnson; Mary is the wife of Silas Davis, and has eleven children; Jessie is the wife of James M. Morgan ; Alice is the wife of Frank P. Thorn, and has one child; Daniel married Alice S. Earles, and at his death left one child. Mr. Houchin has been a prominent citizen of Vermillion County for thirty-five years. He is in no sense a politician, but is interested in promoting the material welfare of his township and county, and is always ready to assist any enterprise worthy of his support.

fAVID A. REED, a representative of one of the old and respected pioneer families of Vermillion County, was born in Stokes County, North Carolina, September 28, 1824. His father, Jacob Reed, was also a native of Stokes County, his father being a native of Germany, and coming to

North Carolina wlien sixteen years of age. The parents of our suT)jeet came to Yermillion County in 1831 and settled on the same section where he now resides, the land at the time of their settlement being in a state of nature. David A. Keed was reared on this farm, and in his youth attended the rude log cabin subscription schools, receiving such education as could be obtained therein. He was inarried December 11, 1849, to Nancy M. Wishard, a daughter of John O.Wishard, who settled in Vermillion County as early as December, 1829. Eleven children were born to this union, of whom seven ai-e living - Jane, John J., Margaret E., Mary E., Sarah A., Barbara A. and Laura B., all married with the exception of Laura. Mr. aud Mrs. Eeed have now fifteen grandchildren. Mr. Eeed has made farming the principal occupation of hi.s life, and by his own persevering industry and economy he has accumulated his present tine property, he having commenced life for himself entirely without means. He is now the owner of 249 acres of choice land, and resides on section 28, Helt Township. In connection with his general farming he devotes considerable attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of graded stock. Mr. Reed has been a member cf the Methodist Protestant church from the age of sixteen years, and has always given liberally of his means toward the support of the gospel. He is an active Sabbath-school worker, and has served as superintendent or teacher for more than forty years. In his political views he affiliates with the Eepublican party. His son, John J. Reed, is one of the rising young agriculturists of Helt Township, and is the owner of a good farm of lOlJ acres on section 28 of the same township. He was born in Helt Township, Yermillion County, July 17, 1852, where he was reared a farmer, and educated in the common schools. He was united in marriage March 2'J, 1881, to Rosetta Heidle, whose father, John M. Heidle, was one of the pioneers of Helt Township. They are the parents of three children - Jesse A., Margaret E. and an infant son yet unnamed.

fAMES F. CARMACK, farmer and stockraiser, resides on his father's farm on section 7, Vermillion Township. He is the owner of a good farm of fifty acres, all well improved, located elsewhere in the co\inty. He was born on the farm where he now lives, in 1854, a son of Andrew and Rachel Carmack. His mother is deceased and his father now lives in Dana. He was reared a farmer, and since starting in life for himself has been successful, and is now numbered among the representative citizens of his townshij). He was married in 1883 to Margaret A., daughter of A. R. and Alvira Newlin, pioneers of Vermillion County. In polities Mr. Carmack is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

.~ J inillion County, Indiana, July 3, isiy, a son of James aud Melissa (Hifill) Slater. His father was born in the State of Ohio, coming to this county when a young man, where he lived until his death. His mother is still living, and makes her home with her son-in-law, William Reed, about three and a half miles from Dana. He was reared to the avocation of a farmer, and his education was obtained in the common schools of the county. When twenty-one years of age he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed until May, 1886. In 1870 he went to Iowa, where he spent over nine years, working at his trade in Mount Pleasant and Ottumwa. In 1880 he went from Iowa to Colorado, and in 1886 left La Junta, Bent County, tha^t State, for Yermillion County, and has since been a resident of Dana. Mr. Slater was united in marriage April 10, 1875, to Miss Jennie Moore, who was born in Henry County, Iowa, October 6, 1861, a daughter ot Peter and Caroline (Gallagher) Moore, her father deceased, and her mother living in Trenton, Iowa. Two children have l»een born to Mr. and Mrs. Slater, named Pearl and Mont'.

IIOMAS THOMPSON, the genial pro- -^;||j V prietor of the Cayuga House, is a native ^J of Indiana, born in Putnam County, June 14, 1839, his father, Gari'ison Thompson, who is now deceased, being one of the pioneers of that county. Our subject was reared in his native county, receiving his education in the common schools of his neighborhood. He was married April 1, 1861, to Miss Sarah Smith, a daughter of James H. Smith, of Iniinbridge, Indiana, and to them have been born five children - Gertrude, Cora, Frank, Fred and Maude. Gertrude married John Owens, of Putnam County, and they are the the parents of three children, na;med Glen, Ethel and Georgeann. Mr. Thompson was a member of Company B, Forty-third Indiana Infantry, in the war of the Rebellion, and participated in the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, Helena, Little Eock, Memphis, Fort Pillow, Cameron and Marks Mill, being taken prisoner at the last mentioned place. He was then sent to Tyler, Texas, where he was imprisoned ten months. He remained in the service of liis country almost four years, when he returned to his home. He came to Eugene in 1885, and in January, 1887, came to Cayuga and took charge of the Junction Hotel until his present commodious hotel was erected. He has served during the past two years as justice of the peace, in which office he is serving witli credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He is a comrade of the Grand Army of the Repixblic. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

fOSEPII A. CLOVER, section 11, Clinton Township, is a representative of one of the earliest families of the neighborhood. He was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, August 6, 1818, a son of James and Eliza (Aspril) Clover, his father a native of the Allegheny Mountain district of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Delaware. The parents were married in Pennsylvania, but about 1817 moved to Ohio, locating near Cincinnati, and thence in 1822 to Vermillion County, Indiana. They settled on section 11, Clinton Township, on what is now the homestead of our subject. The country was then a wilderness, their nearest neighbor being Truman Ford, who lived three miles southeast. The father was in limited circumstances, but had enough to pay for eighty acres of land, and help maintain his family until he could clear a few acres and raise food. The nearest mill was at Eugene, twenty-iive miles distant. He was [a great lover of the chase, and generally furnished his neighbors with venison. He killed the only bear ever killed in his neighborhood. His house was surmounted with selected antlers, and was known far and near as the "Buck Horn House." James Clover died in the prime of life, February 26, 1836, aged forty-live years, his widow followiiig liiin in May of the following year. They had a family of eight children - one born in Pennsylvania, two in Ohio, and five in Vermillion County. Jane is now the wife of James Martin, of Grundj- County, Illinois^ Malinda is the widow of Solomon Stults, of Clinton Township; Delilah, deceased, was tlie wife of Joseph Ileeder; Letitia, deceased, was the wife of Wesley Fatton; John D. lives in Texas; Samuel F., and Margaret wife of William Kirkendall, live in Livingston County, Illinois. Joseph A. was the second child and eldest son, and after the death of liis parents he kept the family together, until after his sisters were married. He then, April 2, 1848, married Drnsilla Eeeder, who was born in Yerniillion Township, October 9, 1821, a daughter of Amos Eeeder, one of the earliest pioneers of the county. Her mother died when she was a child, and her father February 24, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Clover liave had five children - Jane ^(deceased, wife of Garrett Ames); Isabell, Amos (deceased), AVilliam E., and James, of Clinton Township. Mr. Clover has a good property of 156 acres, which was formerly the home of liis father, around whicli cling many fond memories. He abounds in reminiscences and anecdotes of pioneer life, and if anytliing of importance lias been by him forgotten, his friends cannot be made to believe it. A practical joker, many are the pranks played by him, but none are ever wounded to the heart, and a visit to him is one long to be remembered. Wlien foin-teen years of age he killed a huge buck, and was afterward called the champion boy hunter. The chase was his delight, but when eighteen years old he sliot his last deer. While hunting he had wasted his last shot on a very large buck, but succeeded in only wounding him. The deer could not run away, and the determined young hunter would not, but closing in upon him with his knife, fought it to the death, leaving the scene half naked, and wounded and torn in a way frightful to see. The deer was dead and beheaded, but com^jlete recovery for the reserved best in the fight was a work of considerable time. 4 When cured of his wounds he was cured of deer-liunting. The buck as it roamed at will, and the doe witli the graceful fawn, were never more disturbed by him. In politics he is a Democrat. During the war he advocated the war measures, but since its close has been a man of peace.

jP^iON. WILLIAM SKIDMOEE, who was Wm\j prominently identified with the growth "iS'd and development of Vermillion County, Indiana, during his life, was the first white child born in the county, a son of John Skidmore, the date of his birth being February lU, 1819. He was born with but onehand, his left hand,andone-thirdofthat arm being gone. Yet in spite of this he was able to chop trees, and do other work required in the clearing and making of a farm, seemingly as well as any one. He was reared amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life, and during his early life he frequently hauled corn to the Wabash Eiver, which he sold for ten cents a busliel, and has often taken apples to Chicago, Illinois. He was a self-made man in every sense of the word, and became one of the most proininent men in the county where lie has always lived. He was twice married, takingfor his first wife Elizabeth Pearman, and of the three children born to tliem two are yet living - Thomas J. and Mrs. Sarali J. Freeman. Mr. Skidmore was married a second time to a widow named Mrs. Amelia Ilelt, and to this union five children were born - William Henry, George F., Mary E., Jasper F. and Caroline F. By her first marriage

Biographical Sketches

Mrs. Skidinore has two children - Mrs. Serena Depny, and Mrs. Clarinda Garner. Mr. Skidmore filled many of the official trusts of his township and county, and twice represented the county in the State Legislature, in the years from 18G6 to 1870. In the early history of the county he served as constable and justice of the peace. While holding the former office he was called one time hy the citizens to assist in arresting a man whom tliey had chased into Mr. Swazey's cellar. Mr. Skidmore went into the cellar when he was shot by the man in the right arm below the ell)ow. Never heeding this he sncceeded in arresting his man before he had time to do more harm, wresting from his grasp a second freshly-loaded pistol and holding until the citizens came to his help and bound their prisoner. " lie carried the bullet received there in his arm to his grave. He was a consistent Christian and an active worker in the Methodist church for many years. Even when a boy he would walk over the settlement and tell the people of the near approach of some religious meeting. He died in May, 1881, in the triumphant hope of a blessed immortality.

^^;rEPIIEN S. COLLETT, of Newport, Ivs^l is a representative of one of the earliest ^^^ pioneer families of Vermillion County. He was born in Eugene in December, 1829, and Yermillion County has always been his home. In his youth he received good educational advantages, attending Wabash College three years. He has been an active business man, and for many years was one of the prominent merchants of Newport. He assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Newport, serving as its cashier some time. Since that time he has been connected w'ith the banking interests of Newport, at present being general manager of CoUctt ik Co.'s Bank. Mr. Collett married Miss Jennie Dunlap, a daughter of Alexander Dunlap, and they have four children, three sons and one daughter - John, cashier in Collett & Co.'s Bank; Samuel D., Fred D. and Eva, wife of Adam B. Littlepage, of Charleston, West Virginia. In politics the Colletts were old line Whigs in the days of that party, and later liave affiliated w'ith the llepublican party. In religion they are liberal in their views.

fAMES J. LEWIS, one of the old and highly esteemed pioneers of Highland Township, is a native of Maryland, born in Worcester County, January 1, 1805, a son of James and Sarah Lewis. He was early in life left an orphan, liaving no remembrance of his parents. After their death he was taken to the home of his grandfather Lewis, the grandfather dying when our subject was ten years of age. Two years later, when he was about twelve years of age, he accompanied his grandmother and uncle to Pickaway County, Ohio, and here he had his first experience of frontier life. He grew to manhood in Pickaway County, and was there married to Miss Margaret King, a native of Ohio, whose parents removed to that State from Maryland in an early day. In October, 1830, accompanied by his father-in-law, Isaac King, he immigrated to Indiana, settling in Rush County, and two years later removed to Hancock County, where Mr. King continued to reside until his death. In November, 1837, Mr. Lewis came with his family to Vermillion County, and has since that date been a resident of Highland Township, and since March, 1851, he has resided on section

8, about six miles east of Danville, Illinois. Mrs. Lewis died April 3, 1857, and April 10, 1859, Mr. Lewis was again married to Mrs. Mary (Vandine) Craviston, widow of Samuel Craviston. Bj his first marriage Mr. Lewis had fourteen children, eleven of whom reached maturity. Six are living at the present time whose names are - Isaac, Eleanor, Sarah, Nancy, Joshua and Meredith. Those who died after reaching maturity are - John W., James A., Samuel C, Elizabeth and Mary. Though now in his eighty-third year Mr. Lewis is still active, and in good health, and is surrounded with all the necessary comforts of life. He has been a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church for fifty-nine years.

fOSIAII SKIDMORE, farmer and stockraiser, section 22, Helt Township, was born in the neighborhood of his present home March 13, 1831, a son of Jolm Skidmore, who was a native of Pennsylvania, of English descent. John Skidmore came to Yermillion County in 1818, and entered 160 acres of land in Ilelt Township, and in the fall of the same year moved his family to their new home. February 19, 1819, his son William was born, and had the honor of being tlie first white child born in the county. lie died in 1881, aged sixty-two years. At the time of Mr. Skidmore's settlement in tlie county he had few neighbors except Indians, and there was not a house between his place and Fort Dearborn, the present site of Chicago, Illinois, on the west, the Wabash River on the east and Fort AVayne on the north. His first home was a log cabin and his furniture was of the most primitive description. He cleared and improved Ins land until it was one of the best in the township, and made it his home until his death. Josiah Skidmore was reared in his native township, and is a prominent and influential citizen in the county. He was married February 25, 1855, to Phoebe A. White, daughter of Enoch White, a pioneer of the county. Mr. and Mrs. White are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

tUFUS P. LITTLE, farmer and stock, raiser, resides on section 16, Vermillion Township, where he owns a good farm of 119 acres, and in addition to this he owns ninety-three acres on another section. His homestead is well improved, his buildings being commodious and convenient and his land being well drained and under good cultivation. He is a native of Vermillion County, born April 16, 1837, a son of Charles and Rachel (Moore) Little, his father a native of Virginia of Irish descent and his mother of Ohio, of Irish and Welsh descent. His parents came to Vermillion County in 1830, and settled near Eugene, where they lived seven years and then moved to the farm where our subject now lives, where the father died in 1854, aged fifty-seven years. The mother died November 27, 1881, on her eighty-first anniversary. They had a family of nine children, seven of whom are living - Theodore and William, of Kansas; Rufus P.; Lucretia, wife of Joseph James; Rowena, wife of Francis Walthall; Charles, and Eliza J. At tiie time of his father's death Rufus I', was the oldest child at home, and the responsibility of managing the farm fell on him, and although he was only seventeen years old, he assumed the work of a man and was the main dependence of his mother and the younger children. He was married in 1803 to Sarah J. McNeely, who was born in Ver- million County in 1846, and died in 1868, leaving two children - Ella and Ennice. In 1869 he married Anna Noyes, a native of Indiana, born in 1836. They have three children - Fred CI., Grace and Clifford R. Mr. Little is a Republican in politics. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Ejiiscopal church.

/^^APTAIN JOHN LINDSEY, residing °j\y. in the neighborhood of the old Indiana '4--'^ Furnace, Clinton Township, came to Vermillion County, November 4, 1839, and the day following his arrival he entered the employ of the Furnace company. Soon after he became superintendent of the furnace, and had charge of its working force until he entered the army. He was born at Portsmouth, Scioto County, Ohio, November 4, 1814, a son of William D. and Rhoda (Wilson) Lindsey, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of New Jersey. Tlie father was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving in a company commanded by his brother, John Lindsey, wlio died at Eugene, Vermillion County, Indiana, lifty years ago. The parents of our subject were married in Scioto County, Ohio, June 21, 1813, and of the nine children born to them, he was the eldest. The remaining children are as follows - Johnson, still residing in Scioto County, Ohio; James in Vigo County, Indiana; AVilson in Franklin County, Missouri; Sely, who is blind, lives with his brother James; Martha Jane, deceased wife of John V. Bly; William D. lives in Crawford County, Illinois; Harriet Ann, widow of Edward Walton, lives in Iowa, and Angeline died aged thirteen years. Captain John Lindsey, the subject of this sketch, is a self-made and self-educated man, his entire attendance at school being but three months in the subscription schools of his day. As soon as old enough he began work in iron production and became a molder. His father was a boatman on the Scioto Rivev until coming to Vermillion County. All the family came to this county togetlier, with the exception of Johnson, the second son, who remained in Ohio. The father entered the employ of the Furnace company, but not long afterward he settled on a tract of 160 acres, bought by our subject, where he died March 5, 1872, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. His widow survived until Noveml'er 4, 1875, dying at the age of seventy-seven years, cared for until her death by her son John. Our subject was united in marriage March 30, 1845, to Miss Mahala Boyce, a native of New Hampshire, born in 1819, coming in 1839 to Vermillion County, with herfather. He wasan emjjoye of the Furnace company in Clinton Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey a daughter was born Deceu^ber 16, 1846, who died the day of her birth, Mrs. Lindsey dying four days later. Her father died the same year he came to this county, her mother surviving until 1874. Three of her sisters and one brother are living, named Polly, Roxanna, Diana and Edwin, all with Captain Lindsey, members of the same household. No man in Vermillion County is more widely known or more warmly greeted wherever he goes than Captain Lindsey. He recruited almost all of Company I, Fourteenth Indiana Infantry, sixty of the men in its ranks being employes under liim from one to ten years. The Fourteenth was the first three years regiment from Indiana to reach the front, and participated in McClellan's first battle at Rich Mountain, West Virginia. July 12, 1861, and at Winchester, Virginia, in Shields' battle with General Stonewall Jackson, March 23, 18G2. At Winchester Captain Lindsey was shot through the right thigh, necessitating a surgical operation which shortened his limb three and a half inches. For gallantry there he was oflFered a Major's commission, but lie determined to remain with his own company, who regarded him as a father rather than an officer. lie also determined if he could to remain by his men in the field at the battle of Antietam, and went in using a crutch and cane, but under the excitement of that day he was soon able to do duty witliout either. But his active service ended there. As Assistant Provost- Marshal in charge of Camp Lindsey, at Terre Haute, under Colonel K. W. Thompson, Provost-Marshal, he placed over 1,400 men in the field. His own personal popularity did much toward saving Clinton Township for any draft. As Assistant Provost-Marshal his services only ended with the end of the war, covering four years and six months. He now receives a pension of 824 a month. His wife's brothers, Edwin P. and Danvers C. Boyce, were soldiers in tlie Eighty-fifth Indiana Infantry, and his brother William Lindsey served in his company, and was detailed to care for him when wounded. Captain Lindsey, when the war commenced was a radical Democrat, and from that time was as strong a Pepublican. He is a comrade of Owen Post, No. 329, G. A. E., and a member of Sanford Lodge, No. 330, A. F. & A. M.

fOIIN F. LANGSTON, one of the most active and enterprising citizens of Summit Grove, was born in Helt Townsliip, Yermillion County, Indiana, near Dana, February 18, 1849, a son of John M. and Mary (Skidmore) Langston, who were among the early pioneers of the county. In his yuntli he received a fair common school education. He was roared a tarraer, and made that his principal vocation until 1882, wh-.n in September of that year he came to Summit Grove and engaged in the mercantile business, and has since established a good trade, carrying a full line of general stock, and also sells champion harvesters, and other agricultural implements. lie also deals in grain, poultry and general country produce, and in addition to his business he is express and railroad agent at Summit Grove as well as assistant postmaster. Mr. Langston was married April 14, 1874, to Miss Eliza Jackson by whom he liad two children, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Langston died February 2, 1877, and Mr. Langston was again married Marcli 15, 1885, to Mrs. Sarah V. Shannon, widow of the late Frank Shannon, and a daughter of John Taylor, of Vermillion County. Tiicy are the parents of one cliild, a daughter named Jennie Mabel. Mr. Langston never seeks official honors. He is a man of strict integrity, honorable in all his dealings, and during his residence at Summit Grove has gained the respect and confidence of all who know him.

W( )KTII W. POETEPt, a worthy reprei^ciitative of one of Vermillion Counl=B^5r-i ty's old pioneer families, is a native of this county, born in Eugene Township, June 11, 1857. His father, John W. Porter, who is now deceased, was also a native of Vermillion County, a son of the noted Judge John E. Porter, who was one of the most prominent of the early settlers. John W. Porter was a farmer and a stock-raiser, vocation he followed until his death which occurred June 15, 1873. The maiden name of his wife was llettie Tipton, and they were the parents of nine children, seven of whom yet survive - Mary, Abbie, Jennie, Minnie, John, Zoe and Worth W., the subject of this sketch. One daughter, named Lizzie, died after her marriage, leaving a family of three children. Worth W. Porter was reared to agricultnral pursuits on the home farm in Eugene Township, and in his youth received a fair common-school education. lie was married November 29, 1879, to Miss Louisa Campbell, a daughter of Hogan Campbell, of Eugene Township. This union has been blessed with three childreTi, named Jessie, Jennie and Clarence. Mr. Porter resides on section 9, Eugene Township, where he owns sixty-three acres of choice land, and in connection with his general farming is engaged in dealing in stock. Both he [and his wife are members of tlie Cumberland Presbyterian church, and among the most respected citizens of Eugene To^vnship.

tOBERT H. NIXON, one of the leading business men of Newport, succeeded James F. Weller in the drug business February 11, 1863, the business having been established by John Q. Washburn in the early history of the town. Mr. Nixon has been longer in business than any of the business men of Newport, and by his accommodating manners, reasonable prices and strict attention to the wants of his customers, lie has met with excellent success. lie began life a poor boy, and by his good management lias acquired a competence. He was born in Newport, Vermillion County, May 24, 18-42, and here he grew to manhood. In Jul}', 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, and served in Missouri under General Fremont. After being in the service a year he was discliarged for disability, a bronchial affection brought on by c.Npcsiire. He was united in marriage to Miss Maria Hefflemau, a i;ative of Vermillion County, born May 4, 1844, her parents, Elias and Phoebe Ileffleman, coming from Ohio to this county in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Nixon are the parents of seven children, two sons and five daughters. In politics Mr. Nixon is a Eepublican, castin<>- his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Mr. Nixon is the only son of Joshua and Margaret Ni.xon. Tlie fiither was born in Adams County, Ohio, where he was reared to the avocation of a farmer. He was of Irish descent, his parents being natives of the Emerald Isle. After coming to Newport, Vermillion County, he engaged in building and running flat-boats down to New Orleans by way of the Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. He was married in Ohio after locating in Newport, to Miss Margaret Lovejoy, a daughter of Joseph Lovejoy, a descendant of the family of which Owen Lovejoy was a member. She is now deceased. In 1847 the father of our subject engaged in the business of cabinet making and undertaking at Newport wliich he followed until his death. He was an honest, industrious citizen, and was respected by all who knew him. His brother, Robert Nixon, came to Newport as early as 1836. He was a carpenter by trade, and Avas also engaged for a time in flat-boating with his brother. He removed to Kansas in 1872, where he is now living at the advanced age of eighty-three years.

MAMES B. RICHARDSON, residing on 'Mi section 6, Highland Township, is a native '^ of Vermillion County, Indiana, born in Eugene Township, October 27, 1830, a son of Alexander and Mahala (Cox) Richardson, tlie former born in Bedford County, rennsylvania, in 1799, and the latter a native of Ken- tucky, boru in Knox County in 1810. The father of our subject came to Yermillion County in 1826, having lived a short time previous in Bloomington, Indiana. lie made his home iu Eugene Township until about 1832, wlien he removed to rerrysville. In early life he learned the art of distilling, and later he engaged in the manufacture of pumps, which he followed man)' years, supplying the early settlers. Later in life he followed the occupation of farming. At the breaking out of the war of the Eebellion he resolved, although then sixty-three years of age, to offer his services to the Government, which were accepted, and he became a member of the Thirteentli Missouri Infantry. He entered the army through motives of pure patriotism, and gave his life for his country, lie fought with his regiment at Fort Donelson, wliere he became disabled from the effects of the exposure he had undergone, and soon after transferred to the Invalid Corps. He died at Indianapolis, March 28, 1861. The mother of our subject died at the home of her son, James B. Richardson, March 3, 1880, aged seventy years and three days. She was a daughter of Amos Cox, a native of jSIorth Carolina, who settled iu Kentucky when twenty-five years old. He subsequently came to Indiana, and settled near Bloomington in an early day. Four of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Richardson were soldiers in the late war. Edward was a member of Company C, Twelfth Illinois Infantry; was -wounded in the left arm at the battle of Shiloh, from the effects of which he died a few months later. Alexander enlisted with his father in the same regiment, and served until the close of the war. His regiment, the Thirteenth Missouri, after a time was consolidated with the Twenty-second Ohio, and was afterward known as the Twenty-second Oliio, Henry G., the youngest son, was too young to enter the service at the beginning of the war, but later served as a member of Company D, Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry. James B. Richardson, tbe subject of this sketch, enlisted first in the Twelfth Illinois Infantry for ninety days, and later became a member of the Sixth Indiana Cavalry, in which he served during the last two years of the war, being on duty in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and' Georgia, and was actively engaged during his whole term of service. The remaining children born to Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are as follows - Horace, the eldest son, resides in Vernon County, Missouri; Homer died in 1853, aged about twenty years; Elizabeth is the wife of Esau McFall, of Danville, Illinois; Mary is the wife of Peter Olipliant, also living in Danville, Illinois. James B. Richardson was reared in Vermillion County, to the avocation of a farmer, and is still engaged in agricultur;il pursuits. He has resided on his present homestead since 18i4, with the exception of the time spent in the war, and is classed among the most respected and intelligent men in Highland Township. In politics he is a strong adherent to the principles of the Republican party, and has served his township as assessor several times. Mrs. Richardson was formerly Miss Corintha JS^ichols, and is a daughter of AVilliam Nichols, of Highland Township. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, whose names are - Homer, Snsan A., Ettie, Emma and James J.

fOIlN PEER, farmer, section 3, Helt Township, Yermillion County, was born in the same township, August 12, 1833, a son of John Peer, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, nejir ColnuiLius. He came to Veriiiillion County, Indiana, when a boy, Avliere he hired out as a farm hand. He subsequently settled near Newport, and in 1831 moved to Ilelt Township, where he made his home until his death. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm, to agricultural pursuits, and his education was obtained in the rude log cabin subscription schools of pioneer days, with their slab seats and puncheon floor. He was married in Scptemlter, 1857, to Miss Mahala Crusour, a (laughter of Moses Crusour, deceased. Ten children were born to them, of whom nine are still living - William F., Mary C, David ]\1., Martha J., Emma, James O., Pi-ior, Lydia A. and Rlioda E. Mrs. Peer died July 7, 1879, and December 14, 1884, Mr. Peer married Mrs. Lucy E. Dicken, a daughter of Joseph Fisher, and widow of Joel Dicken. P)y her first marriage she had Ave children, two of whom are deceased - Henry F., who died at the age of eighteen years, and Martha A., died in her seventh year. The names of her living children are - Allen P., Flora P. and William A. Mr. Peer has always followed farming, in which he has been very' successful, and is now the owner of 140 acres of choice land. In connection with his general farming he is engaged in stock-raising. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order. He and his wife and his three eldest daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

fiCllOLAS T. LEITOiV, farmer, section 26, Helt Township, was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 25, 1834, a sou of Thomas Leiton, a native of Virginia, and an early settler of Ohio. In 1836 the family came to Vei'million County, Indiana, and settled in Ilelt Township where in connection with working at his trade, blacksmith, the father engaged in farming. Nicholas T. was reared a farmer and has always devoted his attention to agriculture, a vocation he has follo\v(,'d with protit. He now owsis a tine farm of 140 acres, all well improved, and his residence and farm buildings are models of comfort and convenience. Mr. Leiton was given good educational advantages attending in his childhood the common school and later the Farmer's Institute, at Clinton, and the Newport graded schools, and after leaving school he taught live or six winter terms. He is a man of intelligence and well informed on all the general topics of the day, and is one of the most respected citizens of his township. He was married March 2, 1862, to Mary White, daughter of Enoch White, an early settler of Helt Township. Their only child died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Leiton are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is Sunday-school superintendent. In politics he is a Republican.

i;s. SARAH (VANNEST) MA LONE is the oldest resident now living in Yermillion (bounty, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Taylor) Vannest, the pioneer family of the county. Poth of her parents were born in Pennsylvania, but married in the State of Ohio. Her father visited Vermillion County early in the year 1816, and selected lands on section 9, Clinton Township, a mile above the present site of Clinton, which he purchased a tthe Vincennes land sales, and immediately moved his family, then consisting of wife and four children, to their future home. They settled in a hastily erected log cabin in the southwest quarter of the section, and soon after began to be troubled by tlieir ludiau neighbors. It is said that not long before their arrival, in a quarrel between two soldiers, a gun discharged by one of them, missed the other and killed a squaw, and for this the Indians vowed that the first white woman who crossed the Wabash should be killed. Mrs. Vannest therefore became the object of their retaliating vengeance, and two attempts to murder her were frustrated, once by a friendly Indian who had become attached to the family, and another time by the interference of her brother. Mr. Vannest then removed his family for safety to Fort Harrison, but returned himself and pi-osecuted the work of clearing and preparing his land for crops. Not long after this the trouble with the Indians ceased, and the family returning to their pioneer home lived ever afterward in peace. Mr. Tannest was possessed of considerable means, and carried on the work of improvement with characteristic energy, and soon became the owner of the entire section, nearly all of which is still in possession of his descendants. It is claimed that from this section over forty men entered the service of the Government during the war of the Rebellion. The Yannest home was the abode of hospitality'. Mr. Yannest never turned any one from his door, especially a man in need, and never failed to helji the needy if called upon. He was a man who feared nothing, and his true courage was often tested in the early days of the county. Active and energetic he rapidly acquired a good property. In 1835 he Imilt a brick house, two stories in height, where Mrs. Malone now lives, which in those years was considered one of the best residences in Clinton Township. He lived in this house until his death, which occurred September 28,1842, at the age of sixty-two years, leaving an estate consisting of section 9 (610 acres), besides a farm of 160 acres, also in Clinton Township, and lands in Parke County. Mrs Mary Yannest died August 29, 1824, aged forty years. The four eldest children of Mr. and Mrs. Yannest are - Leah, deceased, wife cif Carr Malone; Samuel, deceased; Mrs. Sarah Malone and Jane (twins), the latter deceased, wdfe of Thomas Kibby. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Yannest after coming to Airmillion County are - John, who was tlie firtl M-hite child born in the county; Betsey, deceased, wife of Isaac S.^Palmer; Mary married John Jacques, and died in March, 1848 ; Isaac, living in Helt Township. Mrs. Sarah Malonr, whose name heads this sketch, was marriid January 12, 1834, to Scott Malone, who wa^ born in Butler County, Ohio, June 15, ISdS. a son of Hartley Malone. He was reared in his native State, and early in life learned the cooper's trade. He was among the pioneers of Yeruiillion County, settling in Helt Township in an early day. He became a flat-boatman and a competent river pilot, and followed the rivers many years before and aftti' marriage. He then settled down on the Yannest homestead, and many years aftei'- ward rebuilt the old brick house, the foundation of which was becoming unsafe. Mr. Malone died March 30, 1860, and at the time of his death was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he was first a "Whig, but atfiliated with the Republican party from its organization. Mr. and Mrs. Malone were the parents of the following children - Johnson, now a resident of Clinton ; Stuart, who died aged five years; Mary M., died in infancy; Martha J., wife of Henry A. White, died February 6, 1887, leaving four children; Walter S. died December 28, 1886, j at the home of his mother aged forty - I four years; Ruam died in her twentythird year in 1867: Morton died in 18S3. at the home of his mother, aged thirty-six years;

Fanny nian-ied Alouzo Ilostetter, and died at (Jlinton ill 1875, aged twenty-live years; John, the youngest, is living on tlie homestead with his mother. He was born January 3, 1853, and April 5, 1875, was married to Miss Rose Aldrich, a daughter of Montorville Aldrieli. This union has been blessed with live children, wliose names are Fannie, Scott, George, Clyde and Ralph.

fOJIN NORRIS, farmer and stock-raiser, resides on section 22, Vermillion Township, where he owns 218 acres of choice land. He is a native of Vermillion County, born November 7, 1834, a son of Robert S. and Martha (Nichols) Nori'is, natives of South Carolina. The parents came to Indiana in 1!S30, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject, which at that time was an uncultivated tract of land. On this farm they passed the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1877, aged seventy-three years. They had a family of seven children, four of whom are living - Elizabeth, Caroline, John and Lewis. When they came to Indiana they were poor, but they went bravely to work and by economy and good management accumulated a good property, owning at one time 800 acres of valuable land. John Norris vv'as reared a farmer, and has made agriculture his lifework. He was married in 185S to Martha Merriman, a native of Tennessee, born in 1837. They had four children - Clara and Clarissa (twins), the latter being the wife of 'Benjamin Nicholas; William A. and an infant unnamed. Mrs. Norris died and in 1866 ]V[r. Norris married Sarah E. French, who was born in Parke County, Indiana, in 1838, a daughter of Philip and Sarah French. They have three children - Rohert S., George and Philip. Mr. Norris is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Lodge No. 320, which he has served as treasurer. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.

-T^OAII HEDGES, a representative of one j of the old and honored pioneer families ^. L of Vermillion County, Indiana, was born in Clinton Township, April 19, 1836. His father, William Hedges, was born in Otsego County, New York, October 24, 1801, and in 1819, when eighteen years old, was in Vermillion County on Government survey. In 1823 he married Pamelia Alden, and directly after his marriage he came to this county and established his residence in Clinton Townshijj, being one of the first settlers, making a permanent home not long afterward on section 25. Here he lived until shortly before his death, which occurred in the city of Clinton, October 24, 1873, on the seventy-second anniversary of his birth. He came to the county in limited circumstances, having not over $200 capital, but being an active, energetic man he soon stood well to the front. He was a carpenter by trade, and often worked at this occupation for 50 cents a day. He became the owner of about 700 acres of land, and after giving his children a good start in life, he left a good estate. He was a man of pul)lic spirit, and did much towai-d developing the resources of the county. In 1844 he erected a saw-mill on Brouillet's Creek, and some timelater added to it a grist-mill. Some twenty years afterward he moved his mill to Clinton, and there operated it until his death. During his later years he was a member of the L'^nited Brethren church. His widow still survives and is living with her married daughter, Mrs. Alma Shew, near her pioneer home, lieing now eighty-four years of age. Eleven cliil dreu were born to Mr. and Mrs. William Hedges - Mrs. Irene Shew, of Clinton Township; Mrs. Mary A. Shew, also of Clinton Township; Samuel, who died January 1, 1873; Milton, a resident of Terre Haute, Indiana; Noah, whose name heads this sketch; Columbus C, of Clinton Township; Mrs. Alma Shew; AVilliam was a member of the Fourteenth Indiana Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Chancellorville, Virginia, in 1863; Mrs. Catherine Hall resides on part of the old homestead in Clinton Township, and two children who died in early life. Noah Hedges has spent all of his life in Vermillion County, and now lives on section 25, Clinton Township, not eighty rods from his birth-place. He has been twice married, and a daughter of his first wife became the wife of Charles E. Welker. She died in CUnton Township February 24, 1883, in her twentythird year, after about one year of married life. Mr. Hedges married his present wife, formerly Miss Hannah Tennis, *March 17, 1872. She is a native of Ohio, born January 12, 1848, a daughter of Allen and Mary Tennis. The father died in Clinton Township during the war of the Kebellion. Her mother is yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Hedgts have tive children living - Baraba I., Maynard A'., Ernest V., Maud II., Esta JE. Their fifth child, a son named Charles E., died in infancy. Mr. Hedges is a thorough, practical farmer, which is well indicated by his farm of 120 acres of finely cultivated laud. He is a member of the United Brethren church. Mrs. Hedges belongs to the Baptist church.

the date of his birth being September 24, 1814. In April, 1829, his parents, Joseph and Lydia (Adamson) Lamb, left North Carolina for Indiana, bringing their family to Wayne County. There the parents lived on a farm until tlieir death, the mother dying in 1844, and the father in 1855. They were members of the Society of Friends. Of the nine children born to them seven grew to maturity, of whom five are living at the present writing as follows - Esther, Elias, Murnen, Joseph and Ithamer. Of the above, all with the exception of one son is living in Indiana. Elias Lamb, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm to agricultural pursuits. March 23, 1837, he married Miss Susannah Bish, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born November 17, 1818, a daughter of John and Ann Elizabeth Bish, with whom she came to Wayne County, Indiana, in 1836. Her 2:)arents lived in Wayne County many years, and subsequently removed to Miami County, where the mother died. Later the father returned to Wayne County and died on the old homestead. j\[r. and Mrs. Bish reared a family of ten children to maturity, of whom two sons and four daughters yet survive. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lamb settled in Wayne County, living there many years. Mr. Lamb learned the carpenter's trade at which he worked in connection with farming. In 1870 he came to Vermillion County, locating on a farm near Perrysville. In March, 1873, he bought ' and removed to a farm in Vermillion To^\Il ship, where he lived until March 3, ISST, when he purchased the pleasant home in Newport where he now resides, enjoying thr fruits of a well spent life. Mr. and IMre. Lamb celebrated their golden wedding Manh 23, 1887, at which there was a large attendance of the old settlers, and nearly all of their children and grandchildren were also present.

Biooraphical Sketches

Thej liave Lad ten cliildren born to them - Azel E., Irvin R., Elizabeth J., John V., Leanna, Carrie, Merritt C, Eluiira C, and L^'dia F., living, and Lewis K., their fourth child, died aged one and a half years. They have in 1887, twenty living grandchildren and eight great-grand children. October 12, 1883, Mr. and Mrs. Lamb were attacked by burglars at their home, Mr. Lamb being severely injured, and has never fully recovered from the etfects. In 1841 he and his wife united by letter M'ith the, United Brethren church in Wayne County, and recently transferred their letters to the same church in Nevvjxirt. Politically Mr. Lamb was a Free- Soiler until 1856, since which he lias affiliated with the liepublican party. They are among the most respected citizens in Vermillion County, and are ever foremost in deeds of Christian cliarity and benevolence.

tlENZI M. WHITE, one of the active and enterprising agricultui-ists of Ilelt Township, residing on section 27, was born in the same township, near his present home, January' 31, 1841, a son of James A. White, one of the old and respected pioneers of Vermillion County. lie was reared to the avocation of a farmer, which he has made his life work, and was educated in the common schools of his neighl)orhood, and at the I'armer's Home Institute at Clinton, Indiana. lie enlisted as a private in the war of the Rebellion, and was assigned to Company D, Eighty-tifth Indiana Infantry, and participated in a number of important engagements, including the battles of Resaca, Buzzard's Roost, Dallas Woods, Kenesaw Mountains, Cassville, Peach Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta, Averysboro and Bentonville. He -was with Sherman on his march to the sea, thence to Washington, where he participated in the grand review. He was in the service three years, and was discharged as Orderly-Sergeant at the close of the war. May 19, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary J. Davis, a native of Montgomery County, Indiana, and daughter of Robert Davis, now a resident of Helt Township. Mr. White has a fine farm of eighty acres, where in connection with his general farming he is engaged in stockraising, making a specialty of graded Holstein cattle. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. White is a member of tiie Methodist Episcopal cliurch at Salem.

HfHOMAS J. SKIDMORE, a prominent ^)f and successful agriculturist of Vermill- ^^ ion County, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 15, Helt Township, was born in the same township, near his present farm, February 14, 1850, a son of the late Hon. William Skidmore. His youth was passed on the home farm, and in attending tlie schools of his neighborhood, where he received a fair common-school education. He has always followed farming and has now a valuable farm of 106 acres well improved and under good cultivation, the surroundings of his place showing the owner to be a thorough, practical farmer. September 7, 1871, he married in Clarke County, Illinois, Miss

Wright, is still a resident of Clarke County. Four cliildren have been born to this union, named - Estella, Harvey, Jesse and IMetta A. Mr. Skidmore has been a member of the United Brethren church since the age of nineteen years, with the exception of four flMPSON W. COFFIN, residing on section 8, Eugene Township, was born May 10, 1829, on the old liotnestead, commonly called the Cullett farm, and located one and a quarter milesfrom his present home. His father, Dr. William Coftin, who is now deceased, came to this county from Guilford County, North Carolina, in 1822, and settle in Eugene Township in the spring of 1823, entering land from tlie Government. At the time of his settlement Indiaus and wild animals were numerous, and he often traded with the Indians. On one occasion a number of Indians came to his house all intoxicated but two who remained sober to take care of the others. Little damage was done liy them at tliat time except the breaking of a large looking-glass. For ten years Dr. CotKn was associated in the practice of medicine with Dr. Scott, late of Xewpoi-t. The mother of our subject. Eunice (,'ottin, was a daughter of Zeno Wortii. The parents of our subject liad a family of nine children, two of wlioni died young. The names of those who reached maturity are as follows - Berkley (deceased). Nelson (a prominent physician of Monticello, Illinois), Laura (deceased), Emily (living in Clarke County, Iowa), Simpson W., Mary and Miriam (deceased). Simpson W. Coffin, our subject, was reared to the avocation of a farmer, and was educated at the Bloomington (Indiana) University, and AVabash College of Crawfordsville. He was married April 0, 1856, to Miss IJache! A. Tutt, a daughter of James and Melinda (Neel) Tutt, who reside in Ilelt Township, town of Highland, this county. Mr. and ^Irs. Coffin are the parents j of three children named - Milton, William j and Belle. Mr. Coffin has met with good I success in liis agricultural pursuits, and is j now the owner of 220 acres of choice land. j He devotes his entire attention to farming ! and stock-raising, making a specialty nf graded stock. Mrs. Coffin is a member ni' ; the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

HILANDER GOFF, of Highland Tour,^ ^ ship, is a representative of one of tlir earliest pioneer families of \'ermilii''ii County, his father, David Goff, settling in j Highland Township in 1823. The Gutf family originated in Wales, three brothei.- coming to America in an early day in tlic history of the country, one of whom settle I in Canada, one in Rhode Island and the otln r in New Jersey. David Golf was born in Connecticut in 1798, and in 1804, when li.^ was but six years old, his father immigrated to Western New York, settling in MonruL- \ County. In 1815 David, then a youth of j seventeen years, left the homestead and with I his brothers, Brainard and Almon, started I West, gradually working their way until they { reached Carlisle. Indiana, where they worked for some time in a distillery. In 1823 they j came up the Wabash River to Perrysviile, I stopping along the route and working at all j points where new towns were building, bc- I tween Carlisle and Covington. They did not I then decide to locate at Perrysviile, but continued their journeyings to what is now the ' city of ("hicago. They soon returned to Perrysviile and assisted in erecting the first ' building in the place and also at Terr^' i Haute, and now decided to end tlieiijourneyings and locate. David and Almon entered eighty acres of land about two milis west of Perrysviile and Brainard locate!

about a mile west of them. David and Almon spent the rest of tlieir lives in this county, living to be over eighty years old, and r>rainard died in La Porte, Indiana. David Goff became a worthy and respected citizen being highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was for forty years a member of the Baptist cluirch. He married Mary Hughes, who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, November 9, 1807, and died October 6, 1866. ^[r. Goff died September 7, 1881. They were the parents of eight children, two sons and six daughters, all of whom are living and all but two residents ot Vermillion County. Philander Golf was horn in Highland Township, near where he now lives, September 30, 1834. He has been married three times. His first wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Gouty; died April 2L, 1863. To them were born three children, but one of whom, Jeremiah, is living. Mr.GofFwas married the second time to Mrs. M'arintha (Cossey) (louty, and to them were born live children, only one of whom, AVilliam H., is living. His jiresent wife was Anna Elizabeth Fox, a daughter of John L. Fox, and they have six children - Flora I'elle, Lewis D., John B., Lilly B., Stillman and Etfie. Mr. Goff has lived on his iiresent homestead since 1860, where he has a fine farm and beautiful liome. His two eldest sons are married and reside im farms near their father, given them by their grandparents on the mother's side. Air. Goff is a Democrat in politics.

j In 18 65 he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. C. Cook, rem lining under his instruction two years, when he went to the Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended lectures two years, graduating in 1868. In the same year he began his practice at Quaker Hill, remaining there until 1874, when he moved to Newport, where he has since built up a large practice. Dr. Shepard was married in 1874 to Susie Llannahs, a native of Ohio. They have one child - Grace. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, Vermillion Lodge, No. 594. In politics he is a Democrat. Dr. Shepard has a good home in the village of Newport.

tEWIS SHEPAPJ), ]\L D., a prominent physician of Newport, is a native of Vermillion County, born November 15, 1839, a son of Benjamin and Eliza (Johnson) Shepard. He was raised in this county, spending his early life on his father's farm.

county, March 7, 1837, and now resides on section 19 of the same township, within forty rods of his father's homestead. His father, Benjamin Harrison, settled here with his family about the year 1832, and did much toward developing the early resources of the county, and lived and died an honored and respected citizen. With the exception of five months spent in Knox County, Illinois, during the year 1860, Mr. Harrison has always lived in Vermillion County, in the neighborhood of his birthplace. He was early in life inured to farm work, and has always followed the avocation of a farmer, although for the past four years he lias also been engaged in the manufacture of tile. lie was united in marriage November 27, 1861, to iliss America Eviston, a native of Parke County, Indiana, born November 3, 1843, a daughter of Thomas and Olive Eviston. Her parents settled in Clinton Township, this county, when she was a cliild, her father dying here a few years ago. Iler mother is still living^, aged eiglity-four years. To Mr. and Mrs. Harrison eleven children have been born as follows: Mrs. Olive Wood, of Clinton Township; Douglas <lied iMarch 20, 1885, aged twenty-two years; Bruce; Colman; Annie, wlio died in childhood; Charles, Frank, Thomas, Arabella, Nellie and Callie. In politics Mr. Harrison is a Republican, and is a strong adherent to the principles of that j.arty.

iMvmiCHAEL KELT, deceased, who was nm\\f prominently identified with the early *^^3,^ history of the county, was born in Pennsylvania, January 22, 1788, a son of John Helt, who was of German descent. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he followed through life. He was married August 31, 1815, to Elizabeth Aye, a native of Maryland, and a daughter of Jacob Aye, who was of German and English descent. To them were born seven children, four still living - Mrs. Celina ilitchell, Catheriue, Charles B. and Nancy. Catherine was the second white child born in Vermillion County, the date of her birth, being March 23, 1819, and is the oldest li^-ing native born citizen in the county. She has never married and is living with her maiden sister on a part of the old homestead. The names of the deceased children are Johu, Hiram and Ireiia. Shortly after his marriage Michael Helt, with his wife, his two brothers, Daniel and George, his sister Elizabeth, with her husband Augustus Ford, his father, and John Skidmore and tamily, started in a tlat-boat at Columbus, Ohio, for Indiana, floating down the Scioto iliver t(i the Ohio, and from there to the month of the Wabash Itiver, then i.olcd it to fOHN CLARK, a worthy representatiw of one of the old and respected pioneer families of Verniillion County, isanativi I of Butler County, Ohio, born September ;5, I 1829, and was but tliree years of age when : his parents, Ezra and Nancy (Fullwiden I Clark, settled in Vermillion Township, this I county, near Newport. His fatlier was born in Butler County, Ojiio, and is now living in ] Helt Township, Vermillion County, a hahold man, eighty-seven years of age. The mother of our subject was i)orn in iS'orth Carolina, and was of German ancesti-y. She died in 1864:, after having reared five children to maturity. Two beside the subject of this sketch are yet living, name.l Mrs. Martha Sears an.l ]\[rs. Mary K. I'.etson, b,,th resi- dents of Yennillion Township. The father was again inarried to Miss Abbie Pierson, and by his second marriage has reai-ed a family of four children. John Clark, the subject (if tliis sketch, was reared to agricultural pursuits on the home farm, and has always followed the a\'ocation of a farmer, in which he has met with good success. He was united in marriage, August 16, 1853, to Miss Rachel Smith, who was born in Clinton Township, \'ermillion County. Her father, James Smith, (lied when she was three years old. They eomiuenced housekeeping on a tract of eighty acres deeded him by his father, located in Yermillion Towusliip. Three years later they removed to Clinton Township, and settled on the farm where they have since made their home. This property is very finely located cm the Hazel I'.lutf gravel road, two miles west of Clinton. Mrs. Clark died on this farm, Xoveniber2y, 1879, in her forty-eighth year. July 25, 1880, Mr. Clark was inarried a second time to Mrs. Charity (Bruce) Downs, a native of Edgar County, Illinois, born March 8, 1843. Hei- parents, James and Nancy (Carney) Bruce, were born in the State of Virginia, liut mai-ried in Kentucky, and moved to Illinois from that State. Mrs. Clark was abimt four years of age when lier father died. Her mother died some twentytwo years ago. Mrs. Clark was first married to Abram Downs, September 29, 1868, and they resided in Edgar County, Illinois, until his death, which occurred February 27, 1871, at the age of tw^enty-seven years. Mr. Clark has 193 acres of choice land in his homestead, and also owns forty acres of improved land on section 16, Clinton Township. He has a neat, comfortable residence, good farm Iniildings, and the entire surroundings indicate the care and thrift of the owner. In politics he has always voted the Democratic ticket. He is an active and enterprising citizen, and fMITII H. SAMUELS, manufacturer and dealer in brick at Cayuga, is a native of Ohio, born in Pickaway County December 25, 1841, a son of Peter and Eleanor (Vinson) Samuels, both of whom aredeceased. The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, receiving his education principally at Bloomingdale Academy, Parke County, Indiana, and during tlie year 1869 he taught school for one terra. On the 6th day of July, 1861, he enlisted in the Union army, in Company H, Twenty-first Indiana Infantry, serving in this company two years. Immediately after the surrender of New Orleans his regiment made an expedition into western Louisiana, and at Bayou Bceuf captured a battery of three guns, which was subsequently used by detail from his regiment, and with such efficiency that General B. F. Butler converted the entire regiment into heavy artillery, with two additional companies, and when fully recruited the organization numbered 1,9U() men. Mr. Samuels served four years and two months, and participated in the battles of Baton Kouge, Donaldsonville, Franklin, siege of Port Hudson (forty-seven days and nights), Fort Morgan, Spanish Fort, Forts linger and Tracy, and Fort Blakely. At the last named place the battery to which our subject belonged alone, with two thirty-pounder Parrott rifles, whipped the Huntsville and Nashville Confederate, wooden, and the Morgan ironclad gunboats. This occurred April 8, 1865, on the extreme right of Fort Blakely, and was really the last battle of the war. Mr. Samuels was appointed Bugler at Mobile, Alabama, and was mustered out as such, and the old bugle he used in the war is still in his possession, and becomes dearer and more valued every year. While in infantry Mr. Samuels was wounded in the right shoulder, at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, August 5, 1862, where 2,500 Union troops defeated J. C. Breckenridge, with 6,000 rebels, who left his wounded, including one General (Clark) on the field. Since the war Mr. Samuels has been nearly exclusively engaged in the general mercantile business. He was married September 30, 1886, to Miss Nancy Isabelle Wann, a daughter of William li. Wann, of Lodi, Indiana. They are the parents of one child, a daughter named Ellen V. Mr. Samuels came to Cayuga in 1886, where lie has built a comfortable home, and is one of the substantial and most respected citizens of the place, lie is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also of the Knights of Labor and Grand Army of the Republic, lie is a member of the Baptist church.

ILLIAM WRIGHT, a worthy representative of one of tiie old and respected pioneer families of Vermillion County, was born on the homestead which he now owns and occupies, the date of his birth being December 4, 1831. He is a son of (George and Mary (Briggs) Wright, and a grandson of George Wright, Sr., who settled here as early as 1820. George Wright, the father of our subject, was a man of more than ordinary ability, ambitious and energetic, and made, considering the disadvantages of the times, rapid progress. He was a man of strict integrity, kind and generous almost to a fault, and if in his ])Ower to aid he never turned away a needy man from his door. Politically he was always loyal to the Whig party. In religions views he never doubted God's goodness, and believed in the final salvation of all nien. His death, which was a source of universal regret throughout the count}', occurred December 4, 1852, on the day his son William attained his majority. He was born in Ontario County, New York, July 11, 1801. He commenced life for himself at the age of eighteen years, but came to Yermillion County about the same time as his parents settled here, in 1820. He was married in 1822 to Miss Mary Briggs, who was born near Seneca, in Lake County, New York, in 1806, a daughter of John Briggs. Her parents came to Indiana and settled in Vigo County in 1816. Both were natives of England. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wright commenced housekeeping at the Wright homestead, where all their five children were born. Two children died in infancy; their daughter Jane married James Rush, and died six months after her marriage; Ann became the wife of William AVood, and is now deceased, and William is the subject of this sketch. The mother was a strong, lion-liearted woman, and feared nothing. She was accustomed to all kinds of manual labor, and worked out-doors as well as in-doors. In the early years of the county wild game and wild animals roamed almost undisturbed through the woods, and wolves would even gather near their house to cat the crumbs swept from the family table. At one time Mrs. Wright drove away a l)ear that was feasting upon the body of a live hog. She lived to witness the marvelous development of Vermillion County, to see its forests vanish and become replaced by the homes of thousands of people. Slie died December 9, 1883, beloved by all who knew her. William Wright, whose name heads this sketch, was reared at the homestead, and has succeeded, by inheritance and purchase, to the ownership of tlie same. October 14, 1852, lie married Miss Charlotte Robertson, daughter of James and Mary Robertson, formerly of the State of Virginia, but early settlers of Sullivan County, Indiana, where Mrs. Wright was born September 25, 1833. Ijotli of her parents died of apoplexy, in Vigo County, this State. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wright, as follows - Mary died in infancy; George, living in Clinton Township; Landon died in infancy; Lincoln, of Clinton Township; Josephine died aged two years; Mrs. Glendora G. Pittenger, of Vigo County; Charles, at home; Freddie died in infancy; Burt and xVnna, at home. The homestead where our subject has spent his life is located on the line between sections 31 and 32, Clinton Township, and within a few feet of the east door of his present residence may still be seen the lai-ge flat stone which made the fonndation of the rude double chimney which served the double log honse of his parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wright cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont, and since then has been a staunch supporter of the Republican party. In 1868 he was elected county commissioner, serving one term. He has held official positions of trust iti Clinton, serving as trustee, clerk, etc. Since the year 1808 he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and takes an active interest in that ora-anization.